Slow Dark Train is an album by the American band Vigilantes of Love, released in 1997.[2][3] Some Christian stores refused to carry the album due to the inclusion of "Love Cocoon", a song about marital sex.[4][5] The band supported the album with a North American tour.[6]

Slow Dark Train
Studio album by
Released1997
LabelCapricorn[1]
ProducerBill Mallonee, Danny Horrid, Dan Russell
Vigilantes of Love chronology
V.O.L.
(1996)
Slow Dark Train
(1997)
To the Roof of the Sky
(1998)

Production

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The album was produced by Bill Mallonee, Danny Horrid, and Dan Russell.[7] "Love Cocoon" first appeared on the band's debut album, Jugular.[8]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [9]
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionC+[10]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music     [11]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide     [12]
Windsor StarA[13]

The Dallas Observer wrote that "Vigilantes of Love is a unique blend of (American) rock 'n' roll and thoughtful spirituality that doesn't let its higher ambition get in the way of rocking the house."[14] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution thought that the band's "ongoing romance with roots-rock turns into blind adoration here, as head Vigilante Bill Mallonee checks his usually intricate lyrics and pop sensibilities for the offhand, roadhouse vibe of Son Volt or Wilco."[10]

The Windsor Star stated that the album "delivers messages of hope, commitment, and inner strength through Mallonee's subtle Christian beliefs."[13] The Dayton Daily News called it a "wrenching, poignant, anguished and a terrific piece of work."[15]

AllMusic deemed the album "all highlights."[9]

Track listing

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No.TitleLength
1."Locust Years" 
2."Tokyo Rose" 
3."Black Crow" 
4."Only a Scratch" 
5."Taking On Water" 
6."Points of My Departure" 
7."All the Mercy We Have Found" 
8."Version of the Truth" 
9."Sitting" 
10."Willingly" 
11."Facsimile" 
12."Love Cocoon" 
13."Hang on Every Word" 
14."Judas Skin" 

References

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  1. ^ Alfonso, Barry (April 25, 2002). The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music. Billboard Books. ISBN 9780823077182.
  2. ^ "Vigilantes of Love Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  3. ^ Thompson, John Joseph (April 25, 2000). Raised by Wolves: The Story of Christian Rock & Roll. ECW Press. ISBN 9781550224214.
  4. ^ Howard, Jay R.; Streck, John M. (July 11, 2014). Apostles of Rock: The Splintered World of Contemporary Christian Music. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813148052.
  5. ^ Stephens, Randall J. (March 19, 2018). The Devil's Music: How Christians Inspired, Condemned, and Embraced Rock 'n' Roll. Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674919723.
  6. ^ Thompson, Stephen (August 28, 1997). "Bands Will Be Laboring This Weekend". Rhythm. Wisconsin State Journal. p. 11.
  7. ^ Slow Dark Train (Media notes). Vigilantes of Love. 1997.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ Miller, Michael (September 11, 1997). "Vigilantes of Love's Remake Too Racy for Some". Journal Star. p. C8.
  9. ^ a b "Slow Dark Train". AllMusic.
  10. ^ a b "Vigilantes of Love 'Slow Dark Train'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 5, 1997. p. C4.
  11. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 8. MUZE. p. 436.
  12. ^ MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1999. p. 1200.
  13. ^ a b "Vigilantes of Love Slow Dark Train". Windsor Star. June 19, 1997. p. C21.
  14. ^ Weitz, Matt. "Roadshows". Dallas Observer.
  15. ^ Rollins, Ron (August 15, 1997). "Recordings in Brief". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 19.